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Neff Functional Medicine Clinic<br />

Functional Medicine Testing For Suspected Dementia

Functional Medicine goes way beyond the suggested NZ framework for assessing dementia patients. We understand that life-style has a huge impact on our brain, and our choices have direct impacts on many metabolic pathways. This is where I come in!

Below is a list of tests I would undergo if I had the suspicion that I am at risk of cognitive decline. I do not apply any surcharges on any of the tests. The prices quoted are exactly what I have to pay to organise the tests for you. The exception are p-Tau217 and GFAB, whose prices are determined by the exchange rate between USD and NZD.

Confirm The Diagnosis

alcohol, red wine

🔬 p-Tau 217 (USA)

  • 🧠 Highly specific biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease pathology

  • 🔍 Helps differentiate Alzheimer’s from other dementias

  • 🕰️ Elevated early in disease progression, even before cognitive symptoms

🧪 GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) (USA)

  • 🔥 Marker of astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation

  • 🧬 Often elevated prior to tau and amyloid changes

  • ⚠️ Predicts neurodegeneration in preclinical Alzheimer’s stages

alcohol alcoholic
Neff Inspiration Stephan Neff Alcoholic

🧬 ApoE Genotyping (NZ)

  • 🧬 Identifies genetic risk for late-onset Alzheimer’s

  • 🧠 ApoE4 allele carriers have higher amyloid accumulation

  • 👪 Useful for personalized prevention strategies

Suggested baseline testing

💩 Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Testing

  • 🌱 Assesses dysbiosis and pathogenic overgrowth

  • 🧠 Gut-brain axis influences neuroinflammation and mood

  • 🧫 Identifies microbial metabolites affecting cognitive performance

alcohol alcoholic
Neff Inspiration Stephan Neff Alcoholic

🧪 Organic Acids Testing (OAT)

  • 🎭 Reveals functional imbalances in dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate via urinary metabolites like HVA, 5-HIAA, and quinolinic acid
  • 🧠 Links neurotransmitter metabolism to fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and excitotoxicity, offering insight into root biochemical disruptions
  • 🔄 Guides targeted interventions like B6, magnesium, probiotics, or amino acid therapy to restore neurological and emotional balance

🔥 CRP (GP)

  • 🌡️ Reveal chronic systemic inflammation linked to neurodegeneration

  • 🧠 Elevated levels are associated with increased dementia risk

  • 🔄 Guide anti-inflammatory interventions and root-cause treatment

alcohol alcoholic
Neff Inspiration Stephan Neff Alcoholic

🍬 Insulin & HOMA-IR (GP)

  • 🧠 Strongly linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s

  • 📉 High insulin and HOMA-IR suggest insulin resistance (aka “Type 3 Diabetes”)

  • 🔄 Targetable with diet, exercise, and fasting protocols

🧪 Homocysteine (GP)

  • 💣 Elevated levels cause vascular damage and cognitive impairment

  • 🧠 Associated with brain shrinkage and hippocampal atrophy

  • 🔧 Often correctable with B vitamins and lifestyle interventions

alcohol alcoholic
Neff Inspiration Stephan Neff Alcoholic

🧠 Vitamin B12, Folate & Methylmalonic Acid (GP)

  • ⚙️ Essential for myelin production and neurotransmitter synthesis

  • 🧩 Deficiencies can mimic dementia symptoms

  • 📉 High MMA suggests cellular B12 deficiency even with normal serum B12

🦋 Thyroid Panel with Reverse T3

  • 🧠 Thyroid hormones are vital for cognitive clarity and energy

  • 🔍 Includes reverse T3 to assess thyroid conversion efficiency

  • 📉 Hypothyroidism may present as “brain fog” or memory issues

alcohol alcoholic

Advanced Testing As Required

Neff Inspiration Stephan Neff Alcoholic

☠️ Heavy Metals Panel (Mercury, Lead, Aluminum)

  • 🔬 Detects neurotoxic metal accumulation

  • 🧠 Metals interfere with synaptic function and mitochondrial health

  • 🧴 Supports chelation or detox protocols when needed

🍄 Mycotoxin Testing

  • 🏚️ Screens for toxic mold exposure that affects brain health

  • 🧠 Mycotoxins are linked to memory loss, fatigue, and mood issues

  • 🔄 Guides environmental cleanup and binders for detox support

alcohol alcoholic
Neff Inspiration Stephan Neff Alcoholic

🐟 Omega-3 Index

  • 🧠 DHA and EPA are critical for brain structure and repair

  • 🔬 Low omega-3 is linked to inflammation and faster cognitive decline

  • 🌊 Easy to optimize through diet or supplementation

A healthy person has a thousand dreams, but a sick person has only one

Time to take Action